Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Oils

Abstract Turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) belongs to the family Zingiberaceae, and is native to south-east India. This plant is an old perennial plant that has been used by Asians for thousands of years. It is a major part of the Siddha system and has recommended turmeric for medicine. Curcuminoids and essential oil from turmeric have shown various bioactivities and promising results in various research investigations. Hence, the oil has been in high demand since ancient times and recently finds extensive application in flavor, perfumery, cosmetic, food products, beverages, and the pharmaceutical industry. The nature and versatile applications of this oil highlight the importance in the global market and India is one of the top most commercial growers for it. Food and other industries recently focused on natural additives rather than chemicals due to health hazards therefore turmeric is one of the most important alternate which is abundantly and easily extractable natural safe oil used worldwide.